At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead continuous improvement initiatives and drive operational excellence in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join Medik8, a pioneering skincare brand known for innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible working, and a generous employee discount.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values collaboration and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a company committed to sustainability and community.
- Qualifications: Lean Six Sigma Black Belt required; experience in fast-paced manufacturing preferred.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
At Medik8, we are pioneering the market and are a key leader in the skincare industry, differentiating ourselves through science, innovation, and technological advancements. This core focus allows us to produce some of the most advanced skincare on the market.
We are seeking a highly seasoned, proactive Continuous Improvement Manager to join our team at Medik8.
Location: Based at our Aylesbury Innovation Centre.
Mission: This is a senior, critical role focused on driving operational excellence across our manufacturing and wider business operations. You will govern a robust CI portfolio, strip out waste, and ensure our processes scale as flawlessly as our products perform.
Salary: £50,000 - £60,000
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic CI Governance & Leadership
- Act as the definitive subject matter expert and strategic partner to the operational business, designing and governing the overarching CI roadmap and portfolio of initiatives across the business.
- Horizon-scan for industry best practices, advanced manufacturing techniques, and technological advancements, integrating these into Medik8’s operational strategy.
- Architect, implement, and continuously govern the company’s CI framework, ensuring that project methodologies (DMAIC, Kaizen, Lean) are consistently applied, measured, and dynamically integrated into daily operations.
- Cross-Functional Matrix Leadership
- Act as the architect and visible champion of Medik8’s continuous improvement culture, comfortably navigating and leading within a highly matrixed organisational structure.
- Partner with department heads across Manufacturing, Logistics, Projects, Quality, and Supply Chain, breaking down silos to embed a culture of CI ownership deep within their respective teams.
- Transform complex operational challenges into shared organisational goals, coaching and empowering a network of operational leaders to drive change from within their own departments.
- Operational Performance & Value Creation
- Govern and execute high-impact CI initiatives, maintaining a highly visible site presence to identify bottlenecks and lead a proactive 'find-it, fix-it' mentality.
- Lead complex, cross-functional root-cause investigations, focusing on systemic process improvements, waste reduction, and capacity unblocking.
- Own CI reporting, focusing on leading indicators, hard/soft financial savings, and ROI on process improvements.
- Translate raw operational data and project outcomes into actionable business intelligence for the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), escalating critical strategic recommendations with urgency.
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- A Lean Six Sigma Black Belt qualification is strictly essential.
- Complementary qualifications such as PRINCE2, Agile/Scrum, or Change Management certifications are highly advantageous.
- Seasoned, demonstrable experience driving continuous improvement within a complex, high-speed manufacturing environment (FMCG, Pharmaceuticals, or Cosmetics strongly preferred).
- Proven experience successfully managing, influencing, and governing projects within a matrix organisation, without always having direct line-management authority.
Technical Expertise & Attributes
- Deep, applied expertise in Lean manufacturing principles and CI methodologies (e.g., Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Kaizen, Kanban, OEE optimisation).
- Strong analytical skills with a rigorously data-driven approach. You must be able to conduct high-level capacity modelling, financial benefits tracking, and translate complex operational metrics into clear SLT-level insights.
- Expert ability to deploy CI tools pragmatically in an environment that balances rapid innovation with strict quality and compliance standards.
- A natural coach, mentor, and strategic partner, with outstanding communication skills and the ability to build credibility, influence, and engage at all levels, from the factory floor operators to the SLT.
- A visible and engaging champion for change with high emotional intelligence and resilience and a genuine passion for transforming an operational culture.
- A highly organised, methodical problem-solver with a relentless focus on scalable excellence and a pragmatic 'find-it, fix-it' mentality.
About Us
Founded in 2009 by UK scientists and brothers, we are a British, B Corp™ certified skincare brand renowned for clinical results without compromise. Our mission is to simplify the route to great skin through our pioneering CSA Philosophy®: Vitamin C plus Sunscreen by day, and Vitamin A by night.
Culture & Benefits
We are a team of collaborative go-givers fuelled by a purpose-driven mentality. Innovation is at our core; we pride ourselves on doing everything in-house, challenging the norm and pushing the boundaries of possibility. We work with integrity and agility, ensuring our commitment to sustainability and quality is never compromised. Above all, we believe in community. Our diverse talents work cross-functionally because we know we achieve more together. It’s just who we are!
Some of the perks of being part of the Medik8 team include:
- Wellbeing: 25 days holiday + bank holidays, Flexible & Hybrid working, Private Medical Insurance, Mental Health support.
- Rewards: 75% Discount + Annual Product Allowance, Annual Performance Bonus, Long Service Awards.
- Growth: Up-skilling support, regular Lunch & Learns, Flexible Career opportunities.
- Impact: 2 Volunteering days per year, Matched Charitable Giving Scheme.
Our BCorp Commitment to JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion)
At Medik8, we are committed to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where every individual feels respected, valued, and empowered. We believe a rich tapestry of backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives fuels the innovation behind our products.
Research shows many candidates only apply if they meet 100% of a job description, however, we use the "60% Rule": if you meet over 60% of the requirements and have the passion to learn the rest, we want to hear from you.
Our Inclusive Hiring Standards:
- Fair Chance Hiring: To support systemic justice, we do not request criminal record or credit checks during the application stage (unless legally required for the role).
- Blind Recruiting: We use anonymised CV screening to focus purely on your talent and reduce bias.
- Disability Confident: As a Level 2 employer, we guarantee an interview to disabled applicants who meet the minimum role criteria.
- Immigration Integrity: We welcome all applicants within current Home Office guidance on sponsorship and Right to Work. We never artificially manipulate role scopes or salaries to meet requirements.
Be your authentic self. Apply today.
Senior Black Belt CI Leader – Manufacturing in Aylesbury employer: Medik8
At Medik8, we pride ourselves on being a purpose-driven employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. Our Aylesbury Innovation Centre offers a dynamic environment where employees are empowered to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence, supported by comprehensive benefits such as flexible working, generous holiday allowances, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Join us in our mission to revolutionise skincare while enjoying a rewarding career that values community, integrity, and sustainability.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Black Belt CI Leader – Manufacturing in Aylesbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Medik8 on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into Medik8’s values and recent innovations. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely excited about what we do and how you can contribute!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique for answering behavioural questions. We want to hear about your past experiences in CI, so structure your answers to highlight your achievements and how they relate to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your enthusiasm for the role can leave a lasting impression and show us you’re truly interested in joining the Medik8 team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Black Belt CI Leader – Manufacturing in Aylesbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Senior Black Belt CI Leader. Highlight your experience in continuous improvement, especially in manufacturing, and showcase your Lean Six Sigma Black Belt qualification. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Medik8!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about continuous improvement and how you can contribute to our innovative culture. Be sure to mention specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your leadership and problem-solving skills.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on quantifiable achievements. Did you lead a project that saved costs or improved efficiency? Share those numbers! We love data-driven results, so make sure to highlight how you've made a tangible impact in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you can explore more about our values and culture while you’re there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Medik8
✨Know Your CI Methodologies
Make sure you’re well-versed in Continuous Improvement methodologies like DMAIC, Kaizen, and Lean. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles, especially in high-speed manufacturing environments. This will show that you can hit the ground running at Medik8.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your analytical prowess by discussing specific examples where you've used data to drive improvements. Bring along metrics or case studies that highlight your ability to translate complex operational data into actionable insights for leadership.
✨Emphasise Cross-Functional Collaboration
Since this role involves working across various departments, be prepared to share experiences where you’ve successfully broken down silos. Highlight your ability to partner with different teams and lead change initiatives, showcasing your skills as a natural coach and mentor.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Innovation
Medik8 values innovation, so express your enthusiasm for driving operational excellence through new ideas and technologies. Share examples of how you’ve implemented innovative solutions in previous roles, and be ready to discuss how you stay updated on industry best practices.
